Jackie’s Blog

The San Francisco housing market has been one of the hottest markets for the last four years, despite the steep ever-increasing prices of rental units. From 2012 to 2016, home prices rose 66%, which made buying into the housing market an impossible dream for many. However, the high cost of rentals has led to a never-before seen trend. Contrary to past trends, 1- and 2-bedroom units today are struggling against the rising popularity of 4- and 5-bedroom units. Soaring prices and changing job markets have shifted the tides of the in-demand market. Shifting Tides The job market and ‘cool’ factor of recent years has increased the attraction of the big city for masses of post-college adults aged 24-39. These younger folks often aren’t looking to settle down just yet, but they don’t want to spend $3000-$4000 on housing either. They’d rather spend money on travel and living…Read More→

Recent news is filled with stories about the new tech boom in San Francisco and the resulting astronomical rental prices. Then, there’s the promise of the America’s Cup for short-term leases at sky-high prices. What’s really in the wind for San Francisco landlords? How do you chart the right course now and in the future? As a long-term San Francisco landlord and forward-looking investor, here’s some perspectives: 1) In the rental market, what you read is old news. This spring’s bubble of high demand and even higher rents is now starting to fizzle. For landlords, it’s time to get realistic about what you can expect in rents, and what renters expect from you. 2) You can’t expect quality tenants if you don’t provide quality. The tech-savvy tenants who can afford the high rents are looking for sleek, sophisticated surroundings that include the latest technology. Wires are out. Smart apartments with…Read More→